Candidate for U.S. House Jennifer Konfrst

I’ve always loved asking questions. Thanks to this platform, I get to invite thought-leaders, candidates, experts, fun folks, and fascinating characters to join the conversation. Where else can you spend an hour talking with a candidate for Congress, the founder of Substack, or even a big-time movie director with Iowa roots?Here, on Mondays, you can. Join us from the comfort of your home for insightful conversations that’ll leave you smarter, more curious, and ready to impress at your next social gathering. Subscribe to have the link delivered to your inbox.JulieIn today’s episode, Julie sits down with Jennifer Konfrst (pronounced CON-first)—longtime Drake University journalism instructor, former Iowa Public Television professional, and a candidate for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District—for a frank, fast-moving Q&A with Iowa listeners. We dig into what it will take to defeat Rep. Zach Nunn, why accessibility to constituents isn’t optional, and how pocketbook issues—from grocery bills to homeowners insurance—connect to policy choices like tariffs and health-care funding. We also tackle rural water quality, school vouchers, the value (yes, value!) of primaries, and how Democrats can talk about democracy while still meeting voters at the rent-and-child-care level. If you care about Iowa’s future from Polk to Page County—and every Taylor County in between—take a look at this race.On November 10, primary opponent State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott (D-West Des Moines) will be our guest, starting at noon central time. She is also Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.Transcript SummarySetting & stakes: A community Q&A with Jennifer about the IA-03 race, the primary dynamics, and what differentiates her from Sarah Trone Garriott and the incumbent, Zach Nunn.Why Jennifer says she’s the stronger nominee* Electability & grit: “Tough enough to beat Zach Nunn”—direct, willing to contrast, comfortable going on offense.* Geography & governing: Deep familiarity with rural Iowa and the full district, plus legislative leadership experience.On Zach Nunn* Portrayed as inaccessible (holds unannounced/one-sided events) and out of touch with constituent experiences.* Ties rising household costs to policy choices, especially tariffs, arguing voters’ “lived experience” doesn’t match his messaging.Education* School vouchers are squeezing public schools across urban/suburban/rural communities.* Warns federal moves (block grants, dismantling the U.S. Dept. of Education) raise the stakes for federal oversightof Iowa education dollars.Government funding & ACA subsidies* In a shutdown context, she’d push for more than a short subsidy extension—a bolder package that addresses Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security solvency (salary cap), and broader accountability. Emphasizes governing realities inside a caucus.Messaging & the Democratic brand* Lead with everyday economics (rent, childcare, insurance) and Maslow’s hierarchy logic; protect rights (e.g., reproductive freedom) without letting the debate be consumed by GOP-framed “divisive” issues.* The problem is often messengers & distribution, not message; social media fragments reach.* Primaries help: sharpen the case, extend coverage against Nunn, and engage voters earlier.Turnout, registration, and the 2022 lesson* Polk County turnout shortfall and lack of a Libertarian candidate were decisive in Axne’s loss.* Iowa Dems are hemorrhaging registrants; solution is redefining “what a Democrat looks like in Iowa,” showing up everywhere, and segmenting “no-party” voters rather than treating them as a monolith.* GOTV = all of the above: postcards, doors, phones, rides, and constant registration checks (QR code tables, local events).Rural water quality & ag policy* Calls the problem acute and systemic; cites Harkin Institute work; says voluntary strategies aren’t working and monitoring has been cut.* Wants federal–state partnership, long-term leadership, and farmer-validated practices (à la Liz Garst) to de-risk change for producers.* On the farm bill: divided Congress has stalled progress; flipping seats like IA-03 would help force compromise.Pipelines & eminent domain* Anti-eminent-domain concern is district-wide, with particular organizing in Montgomery County; argues private gain ≠ public use.Immigration conversations at the door* De-escalate & localize: ask about the voter’s specific concern, surface real neighbors’ stories, and avoid abstract, fear-driven frames.Accessibility promise* Pledges a Cindy Axne–style openness (minus rigid “every county every X days” guarantees), with sustained presence beyond Polk and Dallas.Closing note* Top three contrasts against Nunn in a general:* Household costs tied to his votes (tariffs, health-care dynamics),* Rural health care (nursing homes, hospital viability, Medicaid),* Accessibility & authenticity vs. “gone Washington.”Monday Zoom Podcast, October 13: A Town Hall for Those Interested in News about the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatPlease join me for a conversation about the future of the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, starting at noon central time. 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